How to pre-load your games

Pre-loading lets you unlock, unpack, and install games before their official launch date. Once games are live, you’ll start playing with no extra steps.

It isn’t available for all games, but when it is, you’ll save time.

When am I charged for a game if I pre-load?

If a game has pre-loading available and you buy it as a pre-order, you’ll be charged the day of pre-load release. 

1. Log in to Origin.
   • Use this article if you forgot your account details or need to update them.
2. Click Download on the game to pre-load the encrypted game file.

Once you download the game file, the Origin client will show a timer counting down until the game unlocks.

With some newer games, you can play right after you download. Other games may have a decrypting and unpacking step before installation.

1. After the game unlocks, decrypting usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
2. Then, the file unpacks to the game installer folder. This can take another 15 to 30 minutes.

Once the Install button pops up, click to start the game installer and get in on the action. Voila!